A series of environmental indicators are being developed for the production of rice in the region. With the help of these indicators, each country will be able to not only monitor, but also compare the environmental impact of its rice production with that of its neighbors. And this will in turn help them correct any problems or improve on existing practices.
Such a series of environmental indicators has been developed for the first time in the world. Once applied widely, it will help one monitor the impact of agricultural production on a large regional basis.
To develop this, the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) is working with the member countries of the Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN) in a new partnership.
IRRI Director General Robert S. Zeigler said,
The aim of such indicators is to provide the members of ASEAN with a set of standards to assess the environmental impact and health and sustainability of their rice production… At the moment, it is very difficult for any ASEAN member nation to accurately assess whether its use of pesticides, for example, is appropriate or excessive… The harmonization of such environmental standards across the ASEAN region is sure to provide a wide range of benefits.
Via: Biology News
